Firing incident targets Pakistan’s KP delegation helicopter in Parachinar

Unknown assailants opened fire at a helicopter carrying a government delegation from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, according to sources.

The delegation was visiting Parachinar to assess the aftermath of recent sectarian clashes that claimed 23 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following Thursday’s deadly gun attack targeting the Shia community.

A government official, who was part of the delegation and spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident to Nukta, stating that the helicopter came under fire during its landing.

However, the official assured that the helicopter landed safely and that all members of the delegation remained unharmed.

The delegation, led by Provincial Law Minister Advocate Aftab Alam, was traveling to Kurram on the instructions of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur. The visit aimed to assess the law and order situation and to reactivate the tribal council (jirga) to restore peace in the region.

Other members of the delegation included Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Kohat Division Commissioner, Kohat DIG, and other senior government officials.

In a statement to Nukta, Minister Aftab Alam clarified that the helicopter did not receive any direct gunfire.

"Firing in the area is a routine occurrence, and there was firing during our landing as well," Alam explained. "However, the helicopter was not hit by any bullets."

Chief minister reviews Kurram situation

Following the arrival of the KP government delegation in Parachinar, Chief Minister Gandapur chaired a meeting via a video link to review the latest situation in Kurram district following recent unrest.

The government delegation, which visited the area earlier in the day, presented an initial report to the Chief Minister, detailing their findings and consultations.

The delegation met with Shia elders in Parachinar and discussed potential solutions to the ongoing conflict, collecting their suggestions and demands.

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Speaking on the matter, Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.

He highlighted that any legitimate demands from both parties would be fulfilled. "The provincial government will determine the next course of action based on the suggestions and consultations of local elders," he said.

Calling for immediate de-escalation, Gandapur underscored the importance of a ceasefire in the region. "A ceasefire is essential to move toward resolving the conflict," he appealed, urging both parties to halt hostilities to facilitate progress.

He also called on local elders and leaders to fully cooperate with the government delegation and the local administration.

The delegation will visit Sadda on Sunday to hold discussions with Sunni elders and gather their input for a comprehensive resolution.

History of sectarian violence

Sectarian violence has plagued Kurram, a tribal district bordering Afghanistan, for years.

Formerly a semi-autonomous area, the region has a history of bloody confrontations between the Shia and Sunni tribes that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years.

In the past two months, September and October, 53 people, including women and children, have died in days-long sectarian clashes in the district.

*Reporting by Kamran Ali